Cost to ship a car from Aurora to San Francisco
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,259 miles from Aurora to San Francisco ranges from $1,073 to $1,709. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in San Francisco, CA in 3–8 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Francisco to Aurora car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Aurora to San Francisco car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Aurora to San Francisco, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Aurora to San Francisco, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Aurora, open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to San Francisco, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Aurora. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to San Francisco will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Gateway to the Rockies to the Golden Gate City — approximately 1,259 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.
Time of the year
The season and weather in both Aurora and San Francisco can impact car shipping prices.
Summers range from mild to hot, with generally low humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and Aurora also averages about one dozen tornado warnings throughout tornado season, running from April–July. Although a touchdown does occur every couple of years, tornadoes are typically weak and short-lived,
San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Aurora to San Francisco during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,259-mile distance between Aurora and San Francisco and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Aurora to San Francisco typically takes between 3 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Aurora to San Francisco car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Aurora to San Francisco:
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing Aurora and San Francisco vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Aurora: Aurora has meter parking for vehicles.
- San Francisco: Temporary San Francisco moving permits are managed by the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA), and the application process takes some time, so plan accordingly. To submit an application for a San Francisco moving permit, the SFMTA office requires a minimum of 5 business days notice, and a number of days don’t count: your application day, the first enforcement day, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays all are excluded.
Car insurance requirements
- Aurora: To drive in Colorado, you must have insurance with minimum 25/50/10 liability limits, covering $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. While meeting the state's minimum requirement, it's advisable to consider factors for determining optimal coverage levels.
- San Francisco: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
Vehicle inspections
- Aurora: To register and title your vehicle in Colorado within 90 days of moving, you'll need to provide the DMV with an out-of-state vehicle title, proof of a valid Colorado auto insurance policy, verifiable identification, and documentation of the vehicle's weight.
- San Francisco: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
Driver’s license
- Aurora: To obtain a Colorado driver's license, new residents must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. The process cannot be done online or by phone. A valid out-of-state license is required, with no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations, and must not have been deemed unfit to drive by CO DMV or a court.
- San Francisco: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Aurora to San Francisco?
The cost to ship a car from Aurora, CO to San Francisco, CA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Aurora to San Francisco will range from $1,073 to $1,709.
How long will it take to ship my car from Aurora to San Francisco?
It will take approximately 3–8 days to ship your car the 1,259 miles from Aurora to San Francisco. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Aurora to San Francisco?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Aurora to San Francisco. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
